go for the jugular
idiom
informal
: to attack or criticize an opponent in a very aggressive way
He will very quickly go for the jugular in the debate.
Cite this Entry
“Go for the jugular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/go%20for%20the%20jugular. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share